About This Episode
Sword and Scale launched on January 1, 2014, establishing itself as a distinctive voice in true crime media by prioritizing raw audio evidence over traditional narration. The weekly podcast and internet radio show has built its reputation on unflinching access to the sounds of crime and justice—911 calls, courtroom testimony, and first-hand interviews that place listeners directly into criminal investigations.
Created by Mike, the platform expanded its team in 2020 with the addition of Mish, a former member of the punk band White Lung. This evolution reflects the show's growth from a solo venture into a collaborative production capable of handling increasingly complex case investigations.
The podcast's commitment to detailed case coverage is evident in its handling of high-profile investigations. One landmark case featured on the platform involved Andrew Urdiales, an ex-marine and security guard convicted of murdering eight women between 1986 and 1996 across California, Indiana, and Illinois. The victims—Robbin Brandley, Julie McGhee, Mary Ann Wells, Tammie Erwin, Denise Maney, Laura Ulyaki, Cassandra Corum, and Lynn Huber—represent a span of systematic predation. The show's coverage included testimony from survivor Jennifer Asbenson, whose account provided rare insight into Urdiales's methods and psychology.
Beyond serialized investigations, Sword and Scale documents individual cases that reveal patterns within the criminal justice system. The platform has covered the 2016 case of Cati Blauvelt, a 22-year-old found stabbed in an abandoned house basement, alongside the 2007 murder of Anita May Knutson, a first-year college student discovered in her off-campus bedroom. These cases underscore the show's focus on crimes affecting young women and the investigative procedures—or failures—that follow.
The podcast's archive includes coverage of Diane Holik, a 43-year-old found dead in her Austin home, and the April 2017 arrests of Johnny Rider and Cassie Bjorge, charged with double homicide. Each episode demonstrates the show's methodology: presenting evidence, exploring motive, and examining how law enforcement and the courts respond to criminal acts.
Sword and Scale's format distinguishes it within the crowded true crime podcast landscape. Rather than relying on host interpretation alone, the show trusts listeners with primary source material. This approach appeals to audiences seeking depth beyond entertainment, though it also means confronting the emotional reality of crime and tragedy without narrative cushioning.
The show's reach extends across multiple platforms. Episodes are available through Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeart, ensuring accessibility for international audiences. The official website at swordandscale.com provides additional resources, including episode guides and case background information.
As true crime media continues evolving, Sword and Scale's decade-long commitment to audio-first storytelling has influenced how podcasters approach criminal justice narratives. The platform demonstrates that raw evidence and documented testimony, presented without sensationalism, can engage global audiences while honoring the gravity of the crimes examined.
The show remains active, continuing to investigate cases and release weekly episodes that combine journalistic rigor with the intimate medium of audio storytelling.
Sources
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sword-and-scale/id790487079
https://www.swordandscale.com/about-us
https://www.swordandscale.com/watch/episodes/ep11-survival
https://www.iheart.com/podcast/272-sword-and-scale-27910380/
https://open.spotify.com/show/2dzMey4yRYKX5NWKp8zPrd
